Opioids, or narcotics, are potent prescription pain relievers healthcare providers prescribe for pain. However they’re also the most abused prescribed drug in the U.S.
If you or someone you care about is battling opioid addiction, there are effective, evidence-based treatments available to help break the cycle.
At Recovery In Tune, we offer the support and resources you need to overcome opioid use disorder. Keep reading to learn more about opioid addiction and how we can guide you toward lasting recovery.
How Is Opioid Addiction Defined?
Opioid addiction or opioid use disorder (OUD) is the problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to significant distress and impairment. Opioid drugs are natural or man-made chemicals that interact with opioid receptors in your body to reduce pain.
Opioids include:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
Opioid addiction can affect anyone, regardless of your age, gender, income level, and/or social class. It interferes with your daily life and relationships, preventing you from fulfilling your home, work, or school obligations. It can also lead to disability, overdose, and death.
In fact, opioid abuse fuels a public health crisis that claims over 130 lives daily from opioid overdose.
Yet hope and help are available in the form of intensive, effective opioid addiction treatment programs, like those offered at Recovery In Tune.
Reasons People Develop Opioid Addictions
Opioids trigger the release of endorphins. This reduces severe pain and creates euphoria (a sense of well-being), leading to a strong desire to continue using the drug.
Over time, tolerance and physical dependence develops, requiring you to take higher doses to achieve the same effect or to avoid withdrawal.
Genetic differences may make some more vulnerable to addiction — where even taking opioids for pain management can trigger euphoria.
Dependence can develop in as little as 4-8 weeks, with 3-19% of people taking opioids for pain relief developing an addiction. Studies show that even a single dose can make you vulnerable to opioid use disorder.
Risk Factors for Opioid Addiction
Opioids become more addictive when used in ways other than prescribed, such as crushing, snorting, or injecting them. Taking higher doses than prescribed or using them for longer than five days also increases the risk of addiction.
Other factors that raise the risk of developing an opioid addiction include:
- Previous exposure (e.g., past injuries)
- History of interpersonal or legal issues
- Family history of substance use disorder
- Personal history of substance abuse
- Easy access to illegal or prescription opioid medications
- Psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- History of childhood neglect,
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity or thrill-seeking
- Heavy tobacco use
- Peers or family members who abuse opioids or other substances
Which Groups of People Experience Opioid Addiction?
Anyone can develop an opioid addiction, but certain groups are more vulnerable to opioid abuse and opioid misuse. These include:
- Those who did not attend college (4.9%), are unemployed (5.2%), or have been arrested and incarcerated (9.7%).
- Non-Hispanic, young adult American males.
- Those who experienced a mental illness in the previous year.
- Those living in poverty.
- Those who use illicit drugs other than opioids.
- 1 in 3 American Indian or Alaska Native people and Multiracial people used illicit drugs in the past year.
- Women, who are more likely to be prescribed pain relievers for chronic pain.
Warning Signs of an Opioid Addiction
These are the symptoms and consequences you might see in a loved one with an opioid addiction:
Physical Signs
Opioid addiction often brings noticeable changes in the body. These can include:
- Small pupils
- Slow breathing
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Excessive sweating
- Weight changes (loss or gain)
- Frequent flu-like symptoms
- Wearing long sleeves to hide arms
Mental Signs
Opioid drugs affect the brain, leading to cognitive and emotional changes. Signs to look for include:
- Poor concentration
- Memory impairment
- Reduced cognitive functioning
- Hindered learning capabilities
Behavioral Signs
Changes in behavior often accompany use of opioids. Watch for:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Poor hygiene
- Changes in sleep habits
- Personality changes
- Mood changes, like rapid mood swings
- Withdrawal from family members and friends
- Decreased social or recreational activities
- Declining performance at work or school
- Secretive behavior, isolation, or a tendency to steal
What Happens if You Use Opioids With Alcohol and Other Drugs?
A national survey found that 81% of people who misuse opioids also misuse other drugs. Heroin users often co-use prescription opioids, marijuana, and methamphetamine.
A more recent study showed opioids are frequently combined with alcohol to enhance effects or with stimulants to counter side effects.
However, mixing opioids with alcohol complicates treatment for both conditions, can worsen chronic pain, and increases the risk of overdose, leading to slowed breathing, organ damage, or early death.
Combining opioids with CNS depressants like benzodiazepines and sleeping aids has similar dangers.
Other effects of opioids are also possible in both the short and long term and include:
- Nodding off/going in and out of consciousness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Constipation
- Bowel obstruction
- Risk of overdose
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Increased chronic pain
- Tooth decay
- Increased mental health symptoms
- Risk of using other drugs or alcohol
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Opioid Addiction Treatment in Davie, Florida
We understand how challenging opioid addiction can feel, and sadly, so few get the help they need. But you’re not alone — effective, compassionate treatments are available.
Seeking help now can prevent overdose risks and give you the chance to reclaim your life. Hope starts with taking the first step.
Here are the opioid addiction treatment programs offered at Recovery In Tune:
Detoxing from opioids is often the most challenging yet essential step toward recovery. Like other aspects of addiction treatment, medical detox is tailored to your specific needs. It takes into account your history, substances used, and overall health.
During the intake process, an addiction counselor will assess your situation and develop a personalized plan.
At Recovery In Tune, we offer medically supervised detox to keep you safe and comfortable as you undergo withdrawal –– preparing you for the next stage of treatment.
Medication-assisted treatment or medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) use FDA-approved and evidence-backed medications to treat opioid addiction. These include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
These drugs interact with the same opioid receptors in the brain to address your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While they can’t cure the addiction, they help prevent you from having a relapse or continuing your drug use.
At Recovery In Tune, we personalize MAT to fit your unique needs, combining medication with counseling and therapy. Let us help you regain control of your life with a comprehensive, supportive approach to treatment.
Recovery In Tune’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers a balance of personal freedom and responsibility combined with the structure and guidance needed to help you achieve lasting sobriety.
It’s ideal for clients ready to transition into a consistent daily routine and a more productive lifestyle, all while receiving high-level support.
Our IOP allows you to attend counseling and therapy sessions in the morning while gradually returning to work, school, or other responsibilities during the day.
Recovery In Tune is here to support you if you’re looking for a flexible treatment option that fits your schedule.
Counseling and behavioral therapies are essential in treating both mental health conditions and opioid addiction.
At Recovery In Tune, we provide a variety of therapeutic options, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you confront and change negative thoughts and behaviors with healthier alternatives during recovery.
- Individual counseling: Involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore and address personal issues contributing to your addiction.
- Group therapy: Offers a supportive space to connect with others in recovery, where you can give and receive encouragement.
Now is the perfect time to begin to heal!
Find Help and Hope for Opioid Addiction at Recovery In Tune
Opioid addiction can feel overwhelming, pulling you into a downward spiral. But it’s not a hopeless situation. Opioid addiction is a treatable condition. All you need is the proper treatment and support.
At Recovery In Tune, we offer compassionate, expert care tailored to help you break free from addiction. Reach out to Recovery In Tune today and take your first step toward lasting recovery.
Opioid Addiction FAQs
Yes, opioid addiction can be treated. Its gold standard treatment is medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). It’s often combined with counseling and behavioral therapies for a more comprehensive approach.
Some of the usual treatments used for opioid addiction include medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), counseling, and behavior therapies, like CBT.
The cost of treatment can vary based on factors such as the type of program, intensity of the treatment plan, and level of care.
Estimates suggest that medication-assisted treatment, which includes psychosocial and medical support services, ranges from $6,552 to $14,112 per year, depending on the specific medications used.
The best thing to do is to convince them to seek treatment and reach out for professional help right away. They’ll also benefit from your support and being there for them.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Alcohol and Other Drug Use.” Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/other-drug-use.html. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Prevention Strategies for Opioid Use Disorder.” Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/prevention/preventing-opioid-use-disorder.html. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Trends in Drug Overdose Deaths, by Selected Sociodemographic and Social Determinants of Health Characteristics — 25 States and the District of Columbia, 2018–2021.” Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7325a1.htm. Accessed on: October 23, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).” Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24257-opioid-use-disorder-oud#symptoms-and-causes. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. “Opioids.” Retrieved from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21127-opioids. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Hopkins Medicine. “Opioid Use Disorder.” Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/opioid-use-disorder. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Mayo Clinic. “How Opioid Addiction Occurs.” Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/how-opioid-addiction-occurs/art-20360372. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- National Library of Medicine. “Alcohol and Opioid Use, Co-Use, and Chronic Pain in the Context of the Opioid Epidemic: A Critical Review.” Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5832605/. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- National Library of Medicine. “Opioid Use Disorder.” Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553166/. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- National Library of Medicine. “Patterns of polydrug use among Black Americans who misuse opioids.” Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38468073/. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- National Library of Medicine. “The Opioid Epidemic: a Crisis Disproportionately Impacting Black Americans and Urban Communities.” Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9447354/. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report How much does opioid treatment cost?.” Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/how-much-does-opioid-treatment-cost. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.” Retrieved from: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Psychiatry.org. “Opioid Use Disorder.” Retrieved from: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/opioid-use-disorder. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- ScienceDirect. “National polydrug use patterns among people who misuse prescription opioids and people who use heroin. Results from the National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871622002903. Accessed on October 23, 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Behavioral Health by Race and Ethnicity: Results from the 2021-2023 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health” Retrieved from: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt47097/2023-nsduh-race-eth-companion.pdf. Accessed on: October 23, 2024.